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Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Ordained by David Watkins is a gripping horror story that melds elements of the supernatural and horror with intense human drama. The story follows Matthew Cornell, a former military chaplain turned preacher, who possesses divine powers allowing him to combat demonic forces directly. His peaceful life turns dark when he encounters a powerful demon during an exorcism at a Nashville bar, revealing that evil lurks in unexpected places. Jessica Kelley, a woman haunted by terrifying dreams and inexplicable violence, becomes entangled in this supernatural chaos, seeking answers about her connection to the darkness. As Matthew and his allies confront malevolent entities, they uncover a web of deception, possession, and spiritual warfare that threatens to consume them all. The novel culminates in a harrowing clash between good and evil, where faith is tested and the line between the natural and supernatural blurs.
David Watkins expertly crafts an atmospheric setting that enhances the horror elements. Nashville’s vibrant yet shadowed streets provide a backdrop for clandestine exorcisms and supernatural battles, contrasting lively urban life with the lurking presence of evil. The vividly drawn characters—Matthew’s conflicted faith, Jessica’s fear and curiosity, and the intimidating Deacon Bastion—contribute to a tense, immersive atmosphere. The prose is searing, and the author's economy of words impressed me. The descriptions that capture exorcism moments are terrific, filled with evocative imagery and tension. The horror elements are rooted in the paranormal, with scenes of possessed and relentless malevolent spirits that evoke fear and suspense. Fans of The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty and The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón will be thrilled by the deftly plotted, emotionally disturbing, and spellbinding Ordained. The chills are plentiful, and the ride is exhilarating.
